Barry Jacob Rochkind

December 19, 1950 – December 14, 2025 

Barry Jacob Rochkind passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was born on December 19, 1950, in Houston to Fannie and George Rochkind and grew up as a member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun.

Barry’s first love was sports, especially baseball. In 1967, he had the privilege of serving as a batboy for the Houston Astros. He graduated from Bellaire High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1978, Barry moved to Galveston when he married the love of his life, Franie Clark. Together, they worked in Franie’s family business, Isenberg’s Jewelry, before opening their own store, Franie’s. When the jewelry business became challenging in the mid-1980s, and with three young children at home, Barry took a leap of faith and opened Rochkind Insurance in 1987. 

To know Barry was to know his deep love of community. He was a past president of the Rotary Club of Galveston Island and a Paul Harris Fellow. Barry also served as the longtime treasurer of Galveston Island Meals on Wheels and as past president of his home synagogue, Congregation Beth Jacob. He further served the children of Galveston as a member of the Galveston Independent School District school board. Barry felt immense pride in helping bring children to the island for medical care at UTMB through his work with Rotary. 

Barry was a larger-than-life personality who never met a stranger. His enthusiasm for sports led him to the local radio station, AM 1540 KGBC, where he served as a sports newscaster and as color commentator for Ball High football and Galveston College Whitecaps baseball, alongside his dear friend Dennis Byrd Sr. He loved all things Texas Longhorns and Houston sports. Above all, Barry fiercely loved his wife, children, and family, and he was often found making spontaneous day trips—wherever they were—just to share a meal together.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fannie Rochkind, and his in-laws, Miriam and Irving Clark. 

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Franie Clark Rochkind of Galveston; his children, Hal (Jessica) Rochkind of Galveston, Jenny (Brandon) Mark of Houston, and Josh Rochkind of Galveston; and his grandchildren, Jaden and Skyla Rochkind; Wilder, Hayes, and Lottie Rochkind; and Jake Mark. He is also survived by his sisters, Celeste (Ben Jay) Stein, Monica Wolfe, and Renee Rochkind; his sisters-in-law, Mackie (Ricky) Leaman, Normie (John) Green, and Mamie Clark; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Rabbi Todd Doctor will officiate a graveside service at Beth Jacob Cemetery on 61st Street in Galveston on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Brandon Mark, Max Leaman, Jody Stein, Ben Abzug, Brian Masel, and Adam Druss. 

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Barry’s longtime caregiver, Euraka Brown, for her love and devoted care. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun, Galveston Island Meals on Wheels, or the Galveston ISD Educational Foundation.